Seattle Reign welcome the Utah Royals to Lumen Field tonight for their final regular-season home match and Fan Appreciation Night, with both a playoff spot and the possibility of hosting a postseason game on the line. This isn’t the same Royals team that the Reign crushed 4-1 just before the league paused for a summer break. Utah has lost only twice since the season resumed, 1-0 to Kansas City at the start of August and 3-2 last weekend against San Diego, which officially eliminated the Royals from playoff contention. Utah has not been shut out in seven matches and are averaging two goals per game in that span, so the Reign will need to rediscover their scoring form to get a result.

Last week Seattle settled for a 1-1 draw against lowly Bay FC, with Jess Fishlock coming on as a super sub to claw back a point for the Reign with another late goal. One point tonight would be enough for the Reign to punch their ticket to the post-season, while a win would put them in the driver’s seat for a home playoff game if they can also get a result at Orlando on decision day.

Keys to the game

Find an early goal
Be smart when passing out of the back
Win it for Lu!

Notes

Although Olivia van der Jagt was recalled from her loan to Spokane Zephyr, a team source confirmed that the midfielder has been excused from team activities to deal with a personal matter and will be unavailable for the remainder of the season.
Ryanne Brown is finally off the injury list and available for selection tonight. However, Jordyn Huitema is unavailable due to illness.
If Sofia Huerta features in today’s game, it will be her 200th NWSL regular-season match and 90th as a member of the Reign.
To celebrate Lauren Barnes, who announced she will be retiring at the end of the season, the team will have a gratitude wall in the concourse for fans to write notes of appreciation. The wall will be presented to Barnes post-game as part of a ceremony to honor her career.
The first 3,000 fans into the stadium will receive a team poster as part of Fan Appreciation Night. Following the game and Barnes ceremony, season ticket holders can collect autographs from 10 players in the PNW Marketplace area of the main concourse.
The Mariners are hosting a sold-out AL Championship Series game against Toronto at T-Mobile Park this afternoon. First pitch was at 3:08 PM, so that game will likely be finishing just as fans are arriving for the Reign game. Anticipate heavy traffic, large crowds, and parking and turn restrictions around the stadiums.

Injuries, absences, suspensions

Reign: OUT: Lynn Biyendolo (knee), Jordyn Huitema (illness), Veronica Latsko (SEI – lower leg), Sally Menti (lower leg), Cassie Miller (D45 – leg), Olivia Van der Jagt (excused absence)

Royals: OUT: Imani Dorsey (hip), Mia Justus (hand), Cece Kizer (lower leg), Alex Loera (SEI – knee), Tatumn Milazzo (SEI – knee), Kaleigh Riehl (hamstring)
INTERNATIONAL DUTY: KK Ream (USA U17)